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What metro Detroit restaurants are doing in preparation to open on June 8

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SYLVAN LAKE, Mich. (WXYZ) — Many metro Detroit restaurants are quickly preparing to reopen their dining spaces to resume service on June 8. It comes just one day after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer rescinded the stay-at-home order and allowed restaurants to open next Monday.

At Ellen's Bakery and Cafe in Slyvan Lake, they have been waiting, and are already taking steps to get back into business.

Related: Read the entire executive order opening bars & restaurants on June 8

Customers who love good food and have missed the experience of dining out are sharing excitement with only days until they can go out for a meal once again.

Related: Gov. Whitmer lifts stay-at-home order, allows bars & restaurants to open June 8

Helen Roney is looking forward to the feeling of summer and enjoying food and drinks with her friends.

"I live in Royal Oak and the downtown is huge to us. That’s will be reopening. Lot of great restaurants," she said.

At Ellen's in the heart of Slyvan Lake, they are making calls to bring back workers forced to stay home due to the pandemic.

“We’re planning on bringing everyone back, and calling them. Hopefully, we’re able to give everyone the same amount of hours," Owner George Kalergis said.

“We’re going to roll into a summer menu. Grilled watermelon salad. Our fried chicken and ribs are a huge hit. The tacos are outstanding," Manager Ray Hanson added.

The restaurant has been buying more food and spacing tables six feet apart, while cleaning all of the building.

Ellen’s owners tell us they’ll soon be looking to switch from standard menus, to QRS cards you can scan on your phone, to read the items more safely.

Additional Coronavirus information and resources:

Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.

Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.

Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.

See all of our Helping Each Other stories.

See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.